Consultant points to export gaps

Bakery firms specialising in private-label are in a strong position to build export sales as retail chains in the US and mainland Europe look to develop more sophisticated own-brand ranges.

That’s the view of Simon Waring, MD of the UK branch of export consultancy The Green Seed Group, which has been founded from the now-defunct Food From Britain.

“Most markets are well behind the UK in terms of private-label, so the capabilities of bakeries that are highly skilled in this area are in demand internationally,” he told British Baker.

“Private-label is growing rapidly in the US, and in Germany we are seeing greater segmentation with more premium own-brand products. International retailers want to replicate the sophistication of the UK and are seeking private-label specialists.”

The Green Seed Group comprises nine offices in Europe, one in the US and one in Australia, which cover markets in 19 different countries. As well as helping British food and drink companies export, the group will also help companies in other countries export to the UK.